Last Monday, I had an appointment with an editor about a children's book I self-published earlier this year. At first, I reached out wanting advice on how to promote it, but after we talked, she made me realize the book might not be as good as I thought (or still think) it is.
It’s a simple story based on my cat, Willow. When I first brought her home, she found a dog toy that was almost as big as she was, and claimed it as her own. She still carries it around to this day when she wants me to go to bed — basically telling me it’s bedtime, lol.
The editor’s advice was to unpublish the book and start over, especially since I’ve been thinking about making a whole series starring Willow and her friends. But honestly, there’s just something in me that can't let my little book go. The story is mine, even though the illustrations were made with AI. I know the drawings aren’t perfect, and some people look down on that — but it's still my Willow captured in a book.
So right now, it’s still out there for sale. If I do move forward with the series, I’ll probably make it even more of a tribute to her — maybe turning Willow into a talking cat with a crew of friends to make it more fun and kid-friendly.
I was so nervous for that appointment. Even though it was online (thank goodness), the introvert in me panicked for days beforehand. But I kept the appointment. I stayed calm even when she told me to unpublish it. (Later, yes, I cried — but I’m a crier at everything, good or bad. Probably why my therapist suggested writing years ago.)
And now I’m putting my writing out into the world. WHAT??? Yeah, shocks me too. But honestly, I’m proud — proud that I kept the appointment, proud that I listened without falling apart, and proud that my little book is still standing, flaws and all.
Thanks for asking such a beautiful question — it made me realize I have more to be proud of than I thought.
Thank you for sharing this, Brandi! It sounds it took some courage to go to that appointment and take a big step with your book. Good for you! And, more importantly, you're following your dream by writing this book and putting your writing out in the world!!! So much to be proud of, I'm glad the question helped you see it that way.
Last Monday, I had an appointment with an editor about a children's book I self-published earlier this year. At first, I reached out wanting advice on how to promote it, but after we talked, she made me realize the book might not be as good as I thought (or still think) it is.
It’s a simple story based on my cat, Willow. When I first brought her home, she found a dog toy that was almost as big as she was, and claimed it as her own. She still carries it around to this day when she wants me to go to bed — basically telling me it’s bedtime, lol.
The editor’s advice was to unpublish the book and start over, especially since I’ve been thinking about making a whole series starring Willow and her friends. But honestly, there’s just something in me that can't let my little book go. The story is mine, even though the illustrations were made with AI. I know the drawings aren’t perfect, and some people look down on that — but it's still my Willow captured in a book.
So right now, it’s still out there for sale. If I do move forward with the series, I’ll probably make it even more of a tribute to her — maybe turning Willow into a talking cat with a crew of friends to make it more fun and kid-friendly.
I was so nervous for that appointment. Even though it was online (thank goodness), the introvert in me panicked for days beforehand. But I kept the appointment. I stayed calm even when she told me to unpublish it. (Later, yes, I cried — but I’m a crier at everything, good or bad. Probably why my therapist suggested writing years ago.)
And now I’m putting my writing out into the world. WHAT??? Yeah, shocks me too. But honestly, I’m proud — proud that I kept the appointment, proud that I listened without falling apart, and proud that my little book is still standing, flaws and all.
Thanks for asking such a beautiful question — it made me realize I have more to be proud of than I thought.
Thank you for sharing this, Brandi! It sounds it took some courage to go to that appointment and take a big step with your book. Good for you! And, more importantly, you're following your dream by writing this book and putting your writing out in the world!!! So much to be proud of, I'm glad the question helped you see it that way.